Americans love a treasure hunt, at least when it comes to clothes. Retailers such as Marshalls, TJ Maxx, Ross Dress for Less, and other similar chains have been growth stories, while many other retailers have struggled.
That might be because consumers actually seem to enjoy shopping at stores that use a treasure-hunt model.
“Dwell times at off-price retailers were significantly longer than those of the overall apparel segment, suggesting that these stores drive engagement by encouraging customers to linger and hunt for treasures,” according to Placer.ai.
These chains have benefited from a customer base looking to save money.
“This segment has thrived for the past few years, defying the overall trends facing the apparel sector. A significant part of this success may stem from the segment’s inherent ‘treasure-hunt’ experience — off-price shopping cultivates a browsing mentality, encouraging visitors to linger and explore the constantly changing inventory,” added Placer.ai.
That model has worked outside of apparel as well, with Costco and Sam’s Club driving sales using treasure-hunt-style tactics. But one furniture chain trying to leverage the same concept has struggled and is shutting down stores.
The Dump closing multiple stores
The treasure-hunt model may be harder to sell when the purchase costs thousands of dollars.
To put a personal perspective on it, I might buy a shirt or a bag of candy by myself, but I’m not going to purchase a couch just because it’s a good price. That doesn’t mean off-price furniture sales won’t work, but it’s a harder sell than what Marshalls, Costco, and other treasure hunt retailers offer.
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The Dump, the off-price furniture retail concept operated by Haynes Furniture Co., described its business model on its website.
“Great finds don’t show up by accident. They come from knowing where to look, who to call, and when to move. We work with top designers and manufacturers to find new home furnishings through closeouts, overstocks, canceled orders, showroom samples, and one-of-a-kinds, then bring them to you for less,” the company shared.
Now, the company has decided to close its locations in Atlanta, Tempe, Chicagoland, Houston, and Dallas, according to Furniture Today.
The notice was sent directly to vendors by Brian Woods, CEO of The Dump and Haynes Furniture Co.
The company said the decision followed an “extensive evaluation of strategic alternatives.” The affected locations will remain open during their respective wind-down periods and will conduct store-closing sales.
Final closing dates have not yet been announced.
“We recognize the impact this decision has on our associates, customers, and the communities we have proudly served,” Woods said in the notice. “This was not a decision made lightly. After carefully considering every reasonable alternative, we concluded that this was the right business decision.”
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Furniture stores have struggled
While consumers are looking for discounts, which The Dump delivered, furniture purchases are also something that can be delayed during times of economic struggle.
Furniture sales have been running below year-ago levels throughout 2026, with the category down 3.9% to 4.5% early in the year and still roughly 1.2% below last July, according to data from the Federal Reserve of St. Louis.
Consumer Edge’s U.S. transaction data revealed that elevated interest rates, limited housing turnover, and ongoing affordability concerns were key drivers weighing on overall home and garden spending last year, ultimately pushing many households to postpone major home investments.
Additional trends include:
- Affluent and budget-conscious consumers both pull back: Spending slowed across income groups late in 2025, with the sharpest declines among households earning under $40,000 and those earning over $150,000, signaling a broader reallocation of discretionary spending away from home-related categories.
- Home furnishings prices continued to rise even as demand slowed: Across the home furnishings category, pricing pressure persisted throughout 2025, even as demand softened. Inflation remained a factor across the category, as average transaction sizes increased across a majority of leading brands, with companies such as Pottery Barn, West Elm, Crate & Barrel (and CB2), and Ashley Furniture among those reflecting this broader trend.
- Home improvement spending stabilized around repairs and maintenance: While overall home improvement spending softened for a third consecutive year, demand remained higher than before the pandemic. Retailers tied to everyday repairs and maintenance continued to perform better than the broader category, including Ace Hardware, Sherwin-Williams, Menards, and Rural King.
“What we’re seeing isn’t a collapse in home spending, but a reset of priorities,” Consumers Edge Vice President Michael Gunther said.
“Consumers are pushing pause on large, discretionary purchases while continuing to invest in repairs and upkeep. That dynamic is also evident in home furnishings, with consumers delaying big-ticket purchases like furniture and mattresses while continuing to spend on lower-commitment upgrades, such as small décor and kitchen product purchases.”
Issues impacting The Dump are part of a broader economic equation.
“The furniture market isn’t suffering from a complex macroeconomic paradox — it’s just running into basic arithmetic. When mortgage rates keep housing turnover frozen, nobody buys a new sectional. Meanwhile, consumers are cutting big-ticket discretionary items to pay for shockingly expensive groceries,” RTM Nexus CEO Dominick Miserandino shared.
What’s next for The Dump?
The Dump will be winding down the impacted stores, but remains open in Norfolk and Richmond, Virginia.
“The company said customers with existing orders, warranties, financing arrangements or service needs will continue to receive support. Additional information regarding individual store closing timelines and customer service resources will be released as it becomes available,” Furniture Today reported.
The chain described its business in very similar terms to clothing chains that use a treasure-hunt model.
“Furniture retailers spend a lot of money convincing you their prices are a deal. We prefer actually saving you money. We start with a real deal so you end with one. We buy luxury home furnishings off-price, skip the inflated markups and unnecessary overhead, and pass the savings directly to you. That’s how more than two million shoppers have saved an average of $1,500 per visit at The Dump,” it shared on its website.
The company’s website, which makes no mention of the impending closures, does not sell any merchandise.
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